The days are getting longer and the smell of sun cream is ever stronger. The picnic blankets are at the ready and mum’s holding the popcorn steady. So it’s time to sit back, relax and watch some epic movies under the stars this summer.
From Hollywood classics to new found favourites, you are sure to find something to watch that even the toughest of critics will enjoy. And, what better place to enjoy the open-air cinema than here in Herts?
The world’s first cycling theatre company come to Standalone Farm this July with their bicycle powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ The HandleBards crew are true eco warriors as they pedal from venue to venue with all their sets, props and costumes, on a mission to perform environmentally sustainable Shakespeare across the globe. In usual HandleBards fashion, expect a sprinkling of chaos, riotous amounts of energy, and a great deal of laughter.
This July, the elegant gardens of Knebworth House will be transformed into the ultimate open air cinema venue as The Luna Cinema comes knocking at the grand door. Set against the dramatic backdrop of one of the finest stately homes in the country, there will be four nights of fantastic cinema under the stars on the big screen. You’ll be able to grab a drink, give your glass a clink and tuck into some buttery popcorn.
If your August is looking a little quiet, then no need to fear as The Luna Cinema will be here, at the magnificent Hatfield House. The Jacobean country house, dating back to 1611, will be the host of three amazing nights of all singing, all dancing movie magic in the great outdoors. You’ll be able to laugh silly at ‘The Favourite’ on the 22nd (which was filmed at the house itself!), sing along to ‘The Greatest Showman’ on the 23rd and put your dancing shoes on for ‘Dirty Dancing’ on the 24th. So get ready for a cinematic event not to be missed!
Picture this, on a warm summer’s evening you’re sat down on the grass and the smell of lavender fills the air. You’ve got toffee popcorn in one hand and a refreshing beverage in the other. You sit back, relax and BOOM, the most amazing film of all time blasts out, giving you on the edge of your seat entertainment like no other. At Hitchin Lavender fields you can live the dream as the Sundown Cinema will be bringing their biggest screen, brightest projector and best sound system! Across ten dates in August and September you can witness cinematic magic from the likes of ‘A Star Is Born’, ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, all from the lavender fields.
As the summer sun sets on the neo-gothic Ashridge House Estate, the gardens will be illuminated with the bright lights of the cinematic screen. And, on June 7th, in celebration of the Spice Girls reunion tour, Ashridge House will host an evening filled with Spice. Expect iconic Spice Girls costumes, a book signing with the author of ‘The Secret Diary of a Spice Boy’ and the screening of ‘Spice World’ the movie. This will be followed by a screening of ‘The Greatest Showman’ on July 12th and ‘A Star is Born’ on July 26th. So expect a lot of stars on those summer nights.
We may not have glorious coastlines and sandy beaches but we can sure make one! The Watford Big Screen is back and better than ever and you can watch your favourite movies either on the sand or on a deck chair, ice cream in hand. 2018 brought us our family favourites with the likes of ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’, ‘Moana’ and ‘The Greatest Showman’ and this year you can expect more amazing adventures, thrilling scenes and lots of laughter. From July 26th to August 9th the sand will be laid, the summer sun (hopefully) will be blazing and you’ll be able to enjoy all the scenes on the big screen. Films will be announced soon so keep an eye on the Watford Borough Council website.
Here we go again - back by popular demand the outdoor cinema returns to the grounds of the beautiful Hertford Castle this August. This year expect singing, dancing and summer romancing as the fabulous Mamma Mia - Here We Go Again and the classic hit Grease is coming to the castle on August 23rd and 24th.
Get ready to prepare for a festival like no other with a whole week and a half of outdoor cinema and the iconic St Albans Cathedral as it's backdrop. From Raiders of the Lost Ark to Lady and the Tramp and The Silence of the Lambs to Captain Marvel, the toughest of movie critics among you are sure to have a whale of a time.
